Temporary safety box for assistance in excavation of foundation

ABSTRACT

A temporary safety box for assistance in excavation of an associated below grade foundation wall is placed in an associated trench located adjacent the associated foundation wall. The safety box comprises a wall member including an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end face and a second end face. The inner surface faces the associated foundation wall and includes a reinforcing element for providing strength and rigidity to the wall member. The outer surface abuts a wall of the associated trench and is configured to assist in removal of the safety box from the associated trench. The first and second end faces abut the associated foundation wall. The safety box and the associated foundation wall together substantially surround a worker in the associated trench to protect the worker from excavated debris.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/108,650, filed 27 Oct. 2008, which provisionalpatent application is expressly incorporated herein by reference, in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a retaining wall. More specifically,the present disclosure is directed to a temporary safety box for useduring the excavation of a below grade building wall or foundation wall,and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it isto be appreciated that the present disclosure is also amenable to otherlike applications.

The seepage of water into a building having a below ground foundationwall is an ongoing problem. To address this problem, drainage systems,such as the system shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,386, the subject matterof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, are known.During the installation of a drainage system or any other waterproofingprocess, a crack in the exterior below ground foundation wall may bediscovered that extends toward or to a footer, which must be sealed sothat water cannot seep into a below grade interior space, such as abasement. In addition, a pipe, water or gas line, which can extendthrough the foundation wall at a depth greater than 3 feet below thegrade level of a structure, may need to be exposed or repaired.Alternately, a crack can develop in the below ground portion of the wallwhether or not an exterior drainage system is present. Such water thencan seep through the foundation wall and into the basement. To correctthis problem, the foundation has to be excavated where the crack(s)exist, and any cracks repaired.

To enable work to be carried out safely in a trench dug in the earth,whether close to a building wall or otherwise, OSHA guidelines requirethat each worker in an excavation generally has to be protected fromcave-ins by an adequate protective system (see 29 CFR 1926.652).Commonly used systems include special wood boards or sheets locatedagainst the wall of the trench, with hydraulic or steel struts extendingbetween the foundation wall and the boards. The object of the boards orsheets is to hold out excavated debris so that work can proceed alongthe foundation wall without endangering lives of workers in the trench.Some shoring requires the employee(s) to enter the excavation at orbelow safe depths to install the shoring. Some commonly employedprotective systems cannot be used for foundation and basementexcavations. Such protective systems are not required as long as certainconditions (such a depth and width of the excavation and no heavyequipment in the vicinity of the trench) are met. Unfortunately, suchconditions may not be possible. Also, conventional protective systemscan be expensive, bulky, and difficult to use. If not installed and usedproperly, the protective systems can also present a danger to both theworker, and the wall structure that is supporting it.

The present disclosure provides a strong and relatively light weight,and easily repositioned temporary safety box for assistance in theexcavation of a foundation wall of a building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments herein relate to a temporary safety box which isplaced in an associated trench located adjacent an associated belowgrade foundation wall. The safety box assists in excavation of theassociated foundation wall and protects a worker from excavated debris.

In accordance with one aspect, the temporary safety box comprises a wallmember including an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end faceand a second end face. The inner surface faces the associated foundationwall and includes a reinforcing element for providing strength andrigidity to the wall member. The outer surface abuts a wall of theassociated trench and is configured to assist in removal of the safetybox from the associated trench. The first and second end faces abut theassociated foundation wall. The safety box and the associated foundationwall together substantially surround a worker in the associated trenchto protect the worker from excavated debris.

In accordance with another aspect, the temporary safety box comprises awall member including an inner surface and an outer surface. The innersurface includes at least one reinforcing element for providing strengthand rigidity to the wall member. The outer surface is substantiallysmooth to assist in removal of the safety box from the associatedtrench. The wall member has a generally arcuate shape for abuttingagainst one of a straight section and a corner section of the associatedfoundation wall.

In accordance with yet another aspect, the temporary safety boxcomprises a wall member having a generally arcuate shape. The wallmember includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surfaceincludes at least one horizontally oriented reinforcing element forproviding strength and rigidity to the wall member. The outer surface issubstantially smooth to assist in removal of the safety box from theassociated trench. A handle is associated with an upper portion of thewall member to further assist in removal of the safety box from theassociated trench.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a temporary safety box accordingto one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the safety box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the safety box of FIG. 1 positionedwithin a trench against a portion of a below grade foundation wall of abuilding.

FIG. 4 is a schematic, partially exploded and broken away, sideelevational view of the safety box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the safety box of FIG. 3 positioned withinthe trench.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a temporary safety box according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a temporary safety box accordingto yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a temporary safetybox according to still yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are side perspective views of alternative handleconfigurations for the temporary safety box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a vertical section of the portion of the building of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the safety box of FIG. 1 beingmoved within a trench.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a temporarysafety box according to still yet another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawingsherein are merely illustrative and that various modifications andchanges can be made in the structures disclosed without departing fromthe present disclosure. All references to direction and position, unlessotherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the temporary safetybox illustrated in the drawings and should not be construed as limitingthe claims appended hereto.

Referring now to drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like partsthroughout the several views, a removable, light weight safety box 100according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aswill be discussed in greater detail below, the temporary safety box 100assists in the excavation of a below grade building wall or foundationwall 102 by holding out excavated debris so that work can proceed in atrench or like opening 104 located adjacent the foundation wall, withoutendangering the life of a worker in the trench.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the safety box 100 comprises a wall member106 including an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end face and asecond end face. The inner surface faces the foundation wall 102 andincludes a reinforcing element 108 for providing strength and rigidityto the wall member. The outer surface abuts a wall of the trench 104 andis configured to assist in removal of the safety box from the associatedtrench. The first and second end faces abut the foundation wall 102. Thesafety box 100 and the foundation wall 102 together substantiallysurround a worker in the trench 104 to protect the worker from excavateddebris.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the wall member 106 includes afirst wall member 110 and a second wall member 112 fixedly secured tothe first wall member (FIG. 4). The first wall member 110 includes aninner surface 120, an outer surface 122, a top edge 124 and a bottomedge 126. As shown in FIG. 4, the first wall member is a ribbed memberhaving a generally constant thickness. Alternatively, an outer surfaceof the first wall member can be generally smooth. It should also beappreciated by one skilled in the art that the safety box can be of onepiece construction.

The first wall member further includes an arcuate wall section 130 andend wall sections 132 and 134. Each end wall section 132 and 134 caninclude a respective flange 140 and 142 which can extend generallynormal from both the inner and outer surfaces 120, 122. As shown in FIG.5, the arcuate wall section and the end wall sections together form agenerally semi-circular first wall member (i.e., a retaining wall 100,in this embodiment, which spans about 180°). This allows the flanges140, 142 of the retaining wall to abut against a straight section of thefoundation wall 102. It should be appreciated that the arcuate wallsection and the end wall sections can together form a first wall memberwhich can span about 270°. This configuration (shown in FIG. 6) of asafety box 100′ allows the flanges 140′, 142′ of the safety box to abutagainst a corner section of the foundation wall 102.

With reference to FIG. 1, the reinforcing element 108 includes aplurality of spaced apart corrugations 150 located on the inner surface120 of the first wall member 110. The corrugations provide strength andrigidity to the first wall member 110. Each corrugation is horizontallyoriented and spans perpendicularly between the end walls sections 132and 134. The corrugations can vary in dimension, if so desired. Forexample, the corrugations can be spaced further apart and be morepronounced near the two side edges of the first wall member 110 thannear the center of the first wall member. This design is shown inFIG. 1. But, such a design is not required. As shown in FIG. 7, theplurality of corrugations 150′ can further serve as steps, as in aladder, which allows a worker to climb out of the trench 104.

With reference to FIG. 4, the second wall member 112 includes an innersurface 158 and an outer surface 160. The outer surface is generallysmooth and can be coated with a relatively low friction material, suchas a polystyrene material, in order to assist in the removal of thesafety box 100 from the trench 104. The second wall member 112 can bedimensioned to approximately cover the outer surface 122 of the firstwall member 110.

Alternatively, according to another exemplary embodiment, the first andsecond wall members can be combined into a single, unitary wall element210, as shown in FIG. 8, such as being formed from a single material andmold. That wall element can be provided with one or more sets of steps212, instead of corrugations. In other words, the corrugations or stepsdo not need to extend along the entire inner surface of the wallelement. The unitary wall element 210 can be injection molded of a solidthermoplastic material or can be blow molded so as to have a centralvoid. Alternatively, it could be rotationally molded from a suitablethermoplastic material. Also, while reinforcement of the types disclosedherein is beneficial, other known types of reinforcing elements than thehorizontally oriented corrugations mentioned previously are contemplatedfor the wall element as well. As one example, metal reinforcing bars orthe like could be employed with the safety box, either as separatemembers, or, more likely, integrated into the retaining wall.

If desired, one or two handle members 170 and 172 can be attached to thesafety box 100. The handle members can be located on an upper portion ofthe safety box. Such handle members allow for easier maneuvering of thesafety box within the trench, or in pulling the safety box out of thetrench from outside of the trench. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handlemembers 170, 172 can be ropes which are threaded through respectiveapertures 176 in the safety box. However, it should be appreciated thatalternative handle members, such as fabric or thermoplastic bands, metalhoops or straps, are also contemplated. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.9, fixed handles 220, 222 can be secured to the top edges of at leastone of the first and second wall members 110 and 112. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 10, openings 230, 232 can be provided in the first andsecond wall members 110 and 112.

As indicated previously, a crack can develop in the foundation wall 102,and there can be a build-up of hydrostatic pressure outside thebuilding. Water will then seep through the foundation wall and into thebasement. To correct this problem, the foundation wall has to berepaired. With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the trench 104 can bedug along the foundation wall 102. The trench can be about four to sixfeet deep. Prior to any repair work, the safety box 100 is positionedwithin the excavated trench 104 between a section of the below gradefoundation wall 102 and the ground surface 204. The smooth outer surface160 of the second wall member 112 allows the safety box to easily slideagainst the dirt trench wall. Again, it should be appreciated that thearcuate shape of the safety box 100 can depend on its position along thefoundation wall 102. The safety box extends vertically from adjacent theground surface 204 to a level which can be about four feet below theground surface. The width of the safety box 100 (i.e., the distance fromarcuate wall section 130 to the flanges 140, 142) is sufficiently sizedto allow a worker to stand and remove dirt at the bottom of the safetybox, or stand or squat in the trench and repair the foundation wall 102,for example, by applying a mastic, concrete, or any repair substance toselected portions of the foundation wall, and, if necessary, to furtherexcavate the trench 104. After the section of the foundation wall isattended to, the safety box 100 can be at least partially removed fromthe trench 104 and repositioned against another section of thefoundation wall 102, should that be necessary (see FIG. 12).

To repair only a section of the foundation wall, the ground surface ismarked to the shape of the safety box 100. A hole is then dug to thegeneral shape and size of the safety box. The depth of the hole is suchthat the top edge of the safety box is generally level with the existinggrade. The safety box is then placed in the hole and the flanges 140 and142 are positioned against the foundation wall. The safety box shouldnot be used on an unsupported or structurally unsound foundation wall.Soil or fill material can then be placed between the safety box and thewall of the hole to firmly hold the safety box in place. If necessary,excavation can continue to about two feet below the bottom edge of thesafety box so long as site conditions and soil type allows. Additionaldepths can require an adjustable height safety box 300 (see FIG. 13) oradditional safety boxes, which are designed so that they can be stackedon top of each other. The foundation wall can now be repaired. Thesafety box can subsequently be removed via the handle members 170, 172.For example, this can be done by two persons located above and outsidethe hole.

It should be appreciated that the height of the safety box 100 can bevaried, depending on the depth of the excavation necessary. For example,six or eight foot high safety boxes may be needed for some applicationswhile four foot high safety boxes are adequate for other applications.As shown in FIG. 13, according to another exemplary embodiment, anadjustable height safety box 300 can be formed of a first wall element302 and at least one second wall element 304, which is mounted on orstacked atop the first wall element. The first wall element 302 can bestructurally similar to the safety box 100 except that a top edge 310 ofthe first wall element has a stepped configuration. The first wallelement can be about four foot high and would be the bottom wallelement. The second wall element can also be structurally similar to thesafety box 100 except that a bottom edge 320 has a steppedconfiguration. It should be appreciated that a top edge 322 of thesecond wall element can also have a stepped configuration. The secondwall element 304 can be about two foot high. The stepped configurationof the wall elements 302, 304 allows the second wall element to beeasily stacked atop the first wall element to form a six foot highsafety box. To form an eight foot high safety box, a separate,additional second wall element (not shown) can be stacked atop thesecond wall element 304. If desired, the first and second wall elementscould be releasably secured to each other via conventional connectors orfasteners.

The safety box of the present disclosure can be at least partiallyformed from a fiberglass or plastic or other non-corrosive material.However, it should be appreciated that the first wall member can beformed from, for example, a corrugated aluminum or galvanized steelsheet, which are well-known in the construction industry andreadily-available at low cost, as long as strength minimums weremaintained.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also variouspresently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by thoseskilled in the art. It is intended that all of these, or equivalentsthereof, are encompassed by the following claims.

1. A temporary safety box for assistance in excavation of an associatedbelow grade foundation wall, the safety box being placed in anassociated trench located adjacent the associated foundation wall, thesafety box comprising: a wall member including an inner surface, anouter surface, a first end face and a second end face, the inner surfacefacing the associated foundation wall and including a reinforcingelement for providing strength and rigidity to the wall member, theouter surface abutting a wall of the associated trench and beingconfigured to assist in removal of the safety box from the associatedtrench, the first and second end faces abutting the associatedfoundation wall, the safety box and the associated foundation walltogether substantially surrounding a worker in the associated trench toprotect the worker from excavated debris.
 2. The safety box of claim 1,wherein the reinforcement element is oriented generally perpendicularlyto and extends between the first and second end faces.
 3. The safety boxof claim 2, wherein the inner surface includes a plurality of spacedapart reinforcement elements, the plurality or reinforcement elementsserving as steps allowing the worker to climb out of the associatedtrench.
 4. The safety box of claim 1, wherein the outer surface issubstantially smooth.
 5. The safety box of claim 4, wherein the outersurface is coated with a low friction material.
 6. The safety box ofclaim 4, wherein the wall member includes a first part having thereinforcement element and a second part attached to the first part, thesecond part having the substantially smooth outer surface.
 7. The safetybox of claim 4, wherein the safety box is of one piece and is formed asa single molded unit.
 8. The safety box of claim 1, further comprisingat least one handle located on an upper portion of the wall member. 9.The safety box of claim 1, further including a first flange connected tothe first end face and a second flange connected to the second end face,each flange extending generally perpendicular to the inner and outersurfaces of the wall member.
 10. The safety box of claim 1, wherein thewall member has a generally arcuate shape.
 11. The safety box of claim10, wherein the wall member spans about 180° allowing the first andsecond ends to abut against a straight section of the associatedfoundation wall.
 12. The safety box of claim 10, wherein the wall memberspans about 270° allowing the first and second ends to abut against acorner section of the associated foundation wall.
 13. The safety box ofclaim 1, wherein the safety box has an adjustable height and comprisesfirst and second wall member sections, wherein the second wall membersection is adapted to be releasably mounted on an upper portion of thefirst wall member section.
 14. A temporary safety box for placement inan associated trench for assistance in excavation of an associated belowgrade foundation wall and protection of a worker from excavated debris,the safety box comprising: a wall member including an inner surface andan outer surface, the inner surface including at least one reinforcingelement for providing strength and rigidity to the wall member, theouter surface being substantially smooth to assist in removal of thesafety box from the associated trench, the wall member having agenerally arcuate shape for abutting against one of a straight sectionand a corner section of the associated foundation wall.
 15. The safetybox of claim 14, further including at least one handle associated withan upper portion of the wall member to further assist in removal of thesafety box from the associated trench.
 16. The safety box of claim 14,further comprising a plurality of steps defined on the inner surface ofthe wall member.
 17. The safety box of claim 14, wherein the wall memberfurther includes a first end and a second end, wherein a first flange isconnected to the first end of the wall member and a second flange isconnected to a second end of the wall member, the first and secondflanges each having a planar face configured to abut against theassociated foundation wall.
 18. The safety box of claim 14, wherein thesafety box has an adjustable height and comprises first and second wallmember sections adapted to be releasably mounted to each other such thatthe second wall member section can be mounted on an upper portion of thefirst wall member section, the second wall member section beingstructurally similar to the first wall member section.
 19. A temporarysafety box for placement in an associated trench for assistance inexcavation of an associated below grade foundation wall, the safety boxcomprising: a wall member having a generally arcuate shape and includingan inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including atleast one horizontally oriented reinforcing element for providingstrength and rigidity to the wall member, the outer surface beingsubstantially smooth to assist in removal of the safety box from theassociated trench; and a handle associated with an upper portion of thewall member to further assist in removal of the safety box from theassociated trench.
 20. The safety box of claim 19, wherein the safetybox has an adjustable height and comprises first and second wall membersections, the second wall member section being adapted to be releasablysecured to an upper portion of the first wall member section, the secondwall member section having a height less than a height of the first wallmember section.